UCLA School of Nursing: A Legacy of Excellence and Innovation in Nursing Education
The UCLA School of Nursing, affiliated with UCLA and situated in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, has a rich history and a strong commitment to advancing the nursing profession. With the motto "Nursing Reimagined," the school consistently strives for excellence in nursing education, research, and practice. The UCLA School of Nursing is located in the Factor Building at 700 Tiverton Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90095, on campus near the hospital and school of medicine. The building opened April 9, 1981.
Historical Overview
Nursing education at UCLA dates back to 1929 when a group of public health nurses advocated for the establishment of a Department of Nursing Education within the College of Letters and Science in 1932. The 1940s marked a period of significant reorganization and growth for the program. A Bachelor of Science degree was established within a new College of Applied Arts. Professor Lulu K. Wolf (later Hassenplug) from Vanderbilt University was recruited to develop a nursing school at UCLA.
In 1949, the University of California Regents (UC Regents) authorized the School of Nursing as one of the professional schools of the UCLA Centers for the Health Sciences, and Wolf was appointed the school's first dean. This pivotal decision paved the way for the opening of an undergraduate traditional program in nursing in 1950, leading to the Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. The following year, a graduate program leading to the Master of Science (MS) degree in nursing was established.
The Master of Nursing (MN) degree was introduced in 1966 as an alternative to the MS degree. In 1986, the Regents approved the Doctor of Nursing Science (DNSc) degree program, and the first doctoral students were admitted in 1987. Admissions to the bachelor's program were suspended in 1993, with the last class graduating in 1997.
Accreditation and Approvals
The UCLA School of Nursing holds several important accreditations and approvals. It is approved by the Undergraduate and Graduate Councils of the Academic Senate of the University of California at Los Angeles. Furthermore, the prelicensure (BS and MECN) and advanced practice master's programs are approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. In 2011, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited the existing bachelor's and master's degree programs for a term of 10 years, the highest that can be granted.
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Academic Programs
The UCLA School of Nursing offers five degree programs:
- Bachelor of Science (BS): A pre-licensure program for undergraduate study.
- MSN - Master's Entry Clinical Nurse (MECN): Designed for individuals with a baccalaureate degree in another discipline who desire a career in nursing.
- Master of Science in Nursing - Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN): For nurses with a bachelor's degree in nursing.
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): For individuals who wish to pursue a research trajectory.
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): Designed to prepare expert nurse leaders and clinicians.
Education is provided in both classroom and clinical settings, ensuring students receive a comprehensive learning experience. In addition to degree programs, the school offers summer research programs and accepts applications from all qualified nursing students with junior status from any undergraduate institution in the United States. The eight-week program is designed for students who plan to pursue a PhD degree and enter academic careers in nursing.
To align with the AACN New Essentials and to ensure UCLA’s role in meeting the healthcare needs of tomorrow, the school is currently transitioning out of the APRN program after launching its new Post BSN-DNP program. This new program will replace UCLA’s existing Doctor of Nursing Practice program.
National Recognition and Rankings
The UCLA School of Nursing has consistently been recognized as one of the top nursing schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
In the U.S. News & World Report list of Best Graduate Schools for 2023, UCLA Nursing tied for the #14 spot with four other national universities, including Rutgers University - Newark and the University of Illinois - Chicago. Dr. Lin Zhan, dean & professor in the UCLA School of Nursing, stated, “Our commitment to our students and the nursing profession is unwavering, and we are proud to be recognized for these efforts.”
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The U.S. News & World Report list of Best Graduate Schools for 2025 further solidified UCLA Nursing's position as a leader in nursing education. The #9 ranking places UCLA Nursing’s MSN program alongside the school’s bachelor’s program - both now ranked as Top 10 programs nationally. “We are committed to our pursuit of excellence in nursing education, and we’re proud to see that recognized,” said Lin Zhan, Dean of the UCLA School of Nursing. In 2021-22, U.S. News & World Report's Top Nursing Schools list, ranked the master's program 16th and the baccalaureate program among the top 10.
MSN Degree Programs
U.S. News & World Report included two MSN degree programs at the UCLA School of Nursing:
- Master's Entry Clinical Nurse (MECN) degree: This program is designed to prepare students who possess a baccalaureate degree in another discipline for a nursing career.
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) program: This program prepares nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists for national certification in specialty areas such as pediatrics and adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioners.
Research and Faculty
UCLA School of Nursing scholars represent a wide range of disciplines including nursing, medicine, public health, statistics, epidemiology, physiological sciences, and the basic sciences. All are committed to scholarship in the service of improving health, wellness, and quality of life throughout the lifespan.
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